Caz Tod's Blog
A significant evening! / Nov 4, 11:43 PM
A week ago Thursday the four teams from Philadelphia, Camden and Wilmington gathered for our commissioning service. We gathered in small church in Wilmington to commit to live out this year together. Each team had written a covenant that they then read aloud as the rest of us witnessed them making their commitment to each other. The covenants were deep and thoughtful. I then posed questions to team members according to 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24
And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation! (vs.12-13a)
Do you commit to listen to the urging and guidance of Caz your city director, and your team captains as they humbly lead you in the journey of this year?
Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. (vs.13b)
Do you commit to working out life with those around you? Understanding that there are both stark and subtle differences that may need to be overcome?
Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet, (vs.14)
Do you commit to keep yourself and other team members accountable?
Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. (vs.15)
Do you commit to honest and healthy conflict?
Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. (vs.15)
Do you commit to look for the best in others and encourage each other?
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. (vs.16-18)
Do you commit to befriending your emotions, acknowledging them and letting them pass by, building a deeper sense of our beloved-ness?
Don’t suppress the spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil. (vs.19-22)
Do you commit to asking deep questions?
May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole make you holy and whole, put you together – spirit, soul and body – and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The one who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it. (vs.23-24)
Team members answered with resounding Yes’.
The evening significant and reminded me what a privilege it is to be leading these great people.
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